Yesterday, I got an invite and I made the plunge. I’ve joined Google+. In case you haven’t heard of it, Google+ is the new social network made by the folks at Google, of course.
It is similar to other social networks, but not like them at all. There’s a little bit of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. At this time there are no games, so it has a different feel to it.
You have more control over your privacy with Google+. You invite friends and then you put them into Circles. While Facebook has a lists that you can set up for different friends, it isn’t the focus of facebook. I’ve got several lists set up, but I forget to use them since they’re hidden off to the side somewhere.
With Google+ the Circles are the focus. You can have Circles for many different groups: Friends, Family, Genealogists, Co-Workers, Club Members, and so forth. Then you can post directly to that Circle. If you want to share photos only with Family, you can do that. If you want to share you family tree with select people, you can do that also. In this way, you can decide who sees what and how much you want certain people to know about you.
I’m still figuring it out. I haven’t done much with it. Then again, I only have 4 friends right now. I guess I can put them each in their own Circle…LOL
If you’d like to find out more about the differences and similarities between social networks, The Ginger Jewish Genealogist has written an excellent post “Google+ vs. Facebook vs. Twitter – 10 Things“. Also, check out this “Google+ Beginner’s Guide” which has videos and walk throughs on how to use the site.
Hope to see folks over on Google+!
